Forest landowner workshops scheduled

THE LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Forestry Association will conduct a series of workshops on managing taxes and maintaining forest sustainability at five locations across Louisiana this fall.

“These meetings will provide useful tax information and will address current issues regarding forest sustainability,” said C.A. “Buck” Vandersteen, executive director of the Louisiana Forestry Association, explaining the meetings are designed primarily for forest landowners. “They are good opportunities to meet and share information with fellow forest landowners.”

Participants will gain valuable insights in managing taxes for timberland and developing the stewardship potential of the land. They also will have a chance to learn about best management practices and to learn about the new incentives offered by the farm bill, according to workshop organizers.

“Landowners will learn about using the Tree Farmer Program as a means of third party forest certification to increase potential forest marketability,” LSU AgCenter forester Barry Crain said of one part of the program.

Those interested in participating in one of the workshops can obtain a program or sign up for the meeting by contacting the Louisiana Forestry Association by phone at 318-443-2558 or by e-mail at lfa@laforestry.com.

All workshops will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. The workshops are scheduled to be held Oct. 16 in Alexandria, Oct. 23 in DeRidder, Oct. 24 in Calhoun, Nov. 1 in Hammond and Nov. 6 in Shreveport.

The workshops are designed for private landowners, tree farmers and other people with an interest in improving the stewardship of their property and increasing profitability.

The registration fee is $10 per person and includes refreshments and lunch. This forum provides 3.5 hours of credit for the Society of American Foresters and six hours of credit for the Louisiana Logging Council.

In addition to the Forestry Association and AgCenter, other sponsors include the American Forestry Foundation, Association of Consulting Foresters, Louisiana Office of Forestry and Louisiana Society of American Foresters.